Why we need 'The Dark Knight Rises' right now

1. It promises the epic end of a trilogy

While many Hollywood franchises lose key creative personnel mid-stream (The "X-Men" films) or just sort of fall apart after two films (the "Spider-Man") series, Nolan's Batman trilogy appears to be one constant -- and consistent -- epic from start to finish. Characters, situations and set-ups from "Batman Begins" paid off in "The Dark Knight" and, apparently, will continue to do so in "DKR." And, just judging from what we've seen, "DKR" promises to be the biggest bat-film yet, both in terms of pyrotechnic spectacle and the fate of its characters, even threatening to end the series with the hero's ultimate sacrifice.